Special Program Manager

The Office of the People's Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. By law, it advocates for consumers of natural gas, electric, and telephone services in the district. The District of Columbia law designates the Office as a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office also represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies. The Office is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independent of any pending proceeding.

The incumbent is responsible for coordinating District utility consumer outreach events for different departments, ensuring that projects align with the agency’s strategic goals while managing timelines, budgets, and resources. The Special Project Manager will steer projects from conception to completion, often acting as a liaison between stakeholders, team members, and external partners.

The incumbent works under the general supervisor of the Chief of Staff in conjunction with the People’s Counsel who defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines for all projects. The incumbent seeks advice and assistance from the Directorate regarding issues of first impression or unclear precedents.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides leadership in the planning, execution, and delivery of special projects, ensuring they meet the organization’s goals, deadlines, and budgetary constraints subject to approval by the People’s Counsel.

Develops key performance metrics to monitor the implementation of project deliverables. Develops and coordinates with cross-functional teams to maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, progress reports, and final project evaluations.

Establishes and maintains a city-wide agency calendar of events that highlights consumer education programs for District ratepayers regarding natural gas, electricity, and water services. Provides guidance and spreads awareness for consumers to participate in District utility events to ensure effective consumer education.

Facilitates project meetings with stakeholders, team members, and senior management on consumer education and outreach projects and events to ensure orderly and timely development, implementation, progress, and completion of projects for the purpose of educating utility consumers.

Enhances the agency’s visibility in the community by hosting community-wide utility educational events, including climate change conferences, to more effectively educate DC residents, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations on utility matters and the agency's mission to advocate for and protect utility consumers.

Coordinates with the agency’s Consumer Services Divisions to develop and maintain a utility consumer assistance education program to enable vulnerable consumers to pay their utility bills and avoid disconnection. Explores and devises new approaches and methods for educating DC ratepayers regarding utility options to include the LGBTQ community, senior community, Millennials, and Gen Z’s. Evaluate project outcomes and conduct post-project analysis to assess successes, challenges, and lessons learned for future project improvement.

Provides program development, and program administration, as well as organizing, implementing, and developing new strategic initiatives that align with the mission of the office as it relates to utility services.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to CS-13 grade level of the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that demonstrates knowledge, ability, and a proven track record with progressively responsible experience in a professional environment. Specialized experience in project management or related skill set. Knowledge required by the position

• Advance knowledge of the mission, goals, objectives, and operating policies and procedures of the Office of the People’s Counsel, to promote OPC’s major functional areas such as litigations, advocacy, and education.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of personal computers which includes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, spreadsheets, etc. to execute project management skills to plan, organize, and implement projects concurrently.
• Advanced ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and via social media outlets to create content and other forms of electronic communication.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing and evaluating OPC’s annual Climate Change Awareness programs and special project needs to assess project outcomes.
• Mastery in drawing conclusions, devising solutions, and relating findings clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Advanced ability to successfully manage projects and programs from conception to completion to meet the goals and objectives of OPC programs.

EDUCATION

Desired but not required: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Project Management

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

The work is principally sedentary. Work also may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. No special physical effort or ability is required to do the work

PROMOTION POTENTIAL

None

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

The incumbent in this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel regulations, Suitability. This position has been designated as a security-sensitive position.

This job is classified as “security sensitive” due to the position’s duties and responsibilities. Security sensitive positions are positions of special trust that may be reasonably expected to affect the access to or control of activities, systems, or resources that are subject to misappropriation, malicious mischief, damage, or loss or impairment of control of communication.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

The District of Columbia government maintains a drug-free work environment policy. All District employees are subject to post-accident/incident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.